Policy Issues • Financial Markets

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven lenders and financial intermediaries that provide credit and services in underserved communities. The CDFI Fund is often discussed as part of efforts to expand access to capital and support local economic development.

What CDFIs Commonly Do

Provide credit: loans for small businesses, housing, and community facilities.
Offer services: technical assistance and financial products tailored to local needs.
Fill gaps: support borrowers and projects that may not fit traditional underwriting.

Why It Matters

Policy Relevance

Access to capital: improves financing availability in underserved areas.
Resilience: supports small business growth and community investment.
Data: programs often track outcomes and deployment of funds.

Official Resource

Official information is available at cdfifund.gov.